Places That Hire at 16 in Worcester, MA

Places That Hire at 16 in Worcester, MA: Key Takeaways

• 16-year-olds in Worcester can find jobs primarily in fast food and fast casual restaurants as cashiers, food prep staff, and customer service workers.
• Hourly wages for these entry-level restaurant jobs typically range from $16 to $18 in Worcester.
• Massachusetts restricts work hours for 16-year-olds, limiting work to certain times and requiring supervision after 8 p.m.

Looking for work at age 16 in Worcester, MA? Young job seekers have plenty of options, especially in the restaurant sector.

This article outlines key job types, hiring fast food and casual restaurants, work hour limits, and useful resources for teens.

Employers looking to staff their teams can find valuable insights in our places that hire at 16 guide.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Worcester, MA?

For 16-year-olds entering Worcester’s restaurant workforce, common jobs include cashier, food preparation, and customer service roles.

These positions often serve as entry points for teens who want flexible hours and valuable experience.

Employers hiring for these roles can improve their postings by following tips from creating effective restaurant job descriptions.

Employers typically offer hourly wages between $16 and $18 depending on responsibilities and location.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Worcester

Several popular fast-food chains in Worcester readily hire workers who are 16 years old. These employers provide opportunities to gain experience in food service and customer interaction.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires 16-year-olds for roles such as Food Prep and Food Service. These jobs provide on-the-job training and experience working in a fast-paced environment.

For those interested in fast-food roles, explore the fast food worker job description to understand expectations.

KFC/Taco Bell

The combined KFC and Taco Bell locations also offer positions for crew members at 16, including cashier and customer service roles, letting teenagers build skills in food handling and customer care.

Raising Cane's

Raising Cane’s in Worcester opens positions to 16-year-olds as Restaurant Crewmembers. They may have opportunities for evening and late-night shifts with adult supervision.

Restaurant owners looking to optimize their hiring process can benefit from our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Worcester

Beyond fast food, fast-casual dining options sometimes hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles. These might include positions like host/hostess, cashier, and food runner.

While specific fast-casual employers in Worcester that hire at 16 were less documented, checking local chains and franchises is worthwhile.

Learn how to hire effectively for host and hostess roles by visiting how to hire a hotel manager, which includes strategies applicable to fast-casual settings.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Worcester?

Massachusetts law sets detailed work hour restrictions for minors aged 16 and 17 to protect their schooling and well-being.

Work hours depend on whether the teen has school the next day and the type of business.

• On nights before school days, 16-year-olds may work from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (or 10:15 p.m. if the business closes at 10 p.m.).
• On nights not before school days, work hours extend to 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., or midnight for restaurants and racetracks.
• The maximum daily work limit is 9 hours, with up to 48 hours weekly, and no more than 6 days in a week.
• After 8 p.m., minors must be directly supervised by an adult at the workplace unless working at a mall kiosk or stand with security oversight.

These regulations help balance work experience with education and safety.

Employers should be aware of labor law compliance, including child labor regulations, as discussed in HR policies for restaurants.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Worcester

• Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division: Working Under 18
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Teens at Work Fact Sheet
• Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards: Youth Employment Permit Information

Remember, before starting work, 16-year-olds in Worcester must apply for a Youth Employment Permit to ensure compliance with Massachusetts labor laws.

Armed with knowledge of local employers, wage expectations, legal work hour limits, and proper permits, teens can confidently pursue job opportunities in Worcester’s vibrant restaurant scene.

For employers seeking to reduce turnover among young staff, see our strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.